Evaluating the efficiency of investment in a project for railway transport companies

Abstract

This study aims to provide a methodology for selecting an appropriate railway track location for carrying out technical inspection of empty wagons involved in dual-run handling. The object of study is railway goods sidings. The subject of study is the criterion for selecting optimum location of railway goods sidings such as minimum costs. Operating costs per halfruns at different values of factors on layout parameters and a number of local wagons are calculated based on shunting simulation modelling. Statistical research methods were used to reveal mathematical dependencies and determine the impact of changing parameters on the values under study. As a result, the dependence of operating costs on a number of wagons in a shunting train and the length of a halfrun when travelling along a conditioned runway were obtained. The methodology developed to select a site for technical exchange of wagons involved in dual-run handling is tested at an actual runway. The practical significance of selecting the optimum technical wagon exchange site within the "connecting railway station - non-public tracks" system applying the methodology developed is reducing demurrage of local wagons at stations and improving service conditions for consignors and consignees by accelerating cargo delivery.